Should I get breakdown cover for my Tesla? What cover does Tesla provide?

Probably, although Tesla cover your car for any warranty issues and for tyre punctures if you’re within 50 miles of a service centre they don’t cover you for anything else (e.g. wheels, glass, vandalism, collision, damage, lost keys etc.)

Do any companies cover ‘I’ve run out of power’ and need a top up?

The RAC did offer an emergency charge service but the scheme was scrapped presumably as it’s very unlikely for an EV to completely run out of power.

All companies should be able to cover you by transporting you to a nearby charger but it’s worth ensuring they wait whilst you charge just in case the charge fails (this can be up to 30 minutes for a completely flat Tesla battery, you may be best to aim for a non-supercharger location, why? click here).

I thought Tesla covered me?

They do but only to a point, here is the wording from Tesla.com [source].

In short: Tesla support is there for warranty related items only. Everything else (wheels, glass, vandalism, collision, damage, lost keys etc.) requires a proper roadside assistance policy. They do offer limited support for flat tyres (within 50 miles of a service centre).

Long version:

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

Tesla Roadside Assistance is a service intended to minimize inconvenience when your Tesla vehicle is inoperable. This service is available during the first 4 years or 50,000 mi (80,000 km), whichever occurs first for vehicles covered by the New or Pre-Owned Vehicle Limited Warranty at the time of the occurrence. Roadside Assistance will also be provided under the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty for any issues related to either of those two components; excluding collision coverage. For vehicle malfunctions due to warrantable issues, transportation services for the first 500 mi (800 km) is covered by Tesla; is limited to one tow per incident; and does not cover transportation due to issues not covered by the warranty. Please refer to our Roadside Assistance policy for full details and disclosures.

Flat Tire

In some markets, our trained tow providers carry a limited number of loaner wheels to quickly exchange for the damaged wheel so you can continue your journey. The damaged wheel will be transported to the nearest Tesla Service Center. Simply arrange with the service center a good time to drop in within a few days to exchange the loaner wheel for your original wheel. If a loaner wheel is unavailable, we will arrange for your vehicle to be transported to the nearest Tesla Service Center. Tesla will cover up to 50 mi (80 km) for a trained tow provider to assist you with a flat tyre. Wheel and tyre damage is not covered by the New or Pre-Owned Vehicle Limited Warranty. Please check with your local service center for pricing and availability of tyres.

Lockout

To perform remote functions to your vehicle, such as remote unlock, we will need verification that you are the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle must be online and communicating with us to perform a remote unlock. You can also remotely unlock your vehicle from your Tesla Mobile App. If for any reason a remote unlock is not available, and local law permits, we will assist in dispatching a trained tow provider within 50 mi (80 km) of your vehicle’s location to manually unlock your vehicle. If the key fob is not present and the vehicle needs to be towed, a one-time courtesy tow will be provided within 50 mi (80 km). If the vehicle is not covered by the New or Pre-Owned Vehicle Limited Warranty; and a trained tow provider is required to manually unlock or tow your vehicle; this service will be at your expense.

Collision

In the event of a collision we advise you to seek assistance from your (vehicle) insurance. Our Roadside Assistance service does not cover the cost associated with towing vehicles involved in collisions and Tesla Service Centers do not perform body repairs, so we will be advising you of the nearest Tesla-approved collision repair facility to which your vehicle should be taken.

Warning for those that already get it via their bank account etc

Warning if you ever need to call roadside recovery

I’ve seen cars being damaged when they were towed and breakdown companies then denying responsibility. As long as it’s safe to do so, take photos of your car at the scene as you would do if you’d had an accident.

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